Dubai
There are certain areas in Dubai that have been specially designated as free zones for the conduct of free trade or business. These are the ideal locations within the U.A.E. where foreign entrepreneurs or business owners can set up their businesses with utmost ease. These free zones are further divided into different categories based on the specific niche of the business and operations involved in it.
Dubai Free Zones:
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Media City
Dubai Production City
Dubai Studio City
Dubai Outsource City
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai International Academic City
Dubai Science Park
Dubai Design District
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Dubai Airport Free Zone
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai HealthCare City
International Humanitarian City
Dubai Maritime City
Gold and Diamond Park
Dubai South
Dubai International Financial Centre
Meydan
National Industries Park
The demarcation of the Free Zones is on the basis of the sector of operation involved in the business:
Academics
Aviation
Investment
Media
Information technology(ICT)
Information and logistics
Automotive
Technology
Energy
Permitted Legal Entities in Dubai Free Zones
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is an entity that is formed and registered in Ajman Free Zone. It is regulated by the Free Zone Authority in accordance with the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1988 (amended by the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1996). These establishments enjoy a provisions as separate legal entities and they can be 100% owned by either a person or a corporate body. Such entities must have a capital approximately equivalent to US $50,000. The liability of the business owner is limited to the amount of his share capital.
Required Documents
Proposal of 5 names
A copy of the passport, valid for at least 6 months.
Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
No Objection Letter provided by the sponsor
A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
List Item #3
Application Form
Free Zone Company (FZC)
Licences under this class are issued to companies that have been incorporated in the Free Zone in accordance to the Amiri Decree. Such companies enjoy a separate legal identity and the owner is liable only for the value of the paid up capital.
Required Documents
Proposal of 5 names
A copy of the applicant’s passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
No Objection Letter provided by the sponsor
A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
Application Form
Documents Required
A copy of the passport of the representative or manager of the company, valid for at least 6 months.
Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
The original Trade License
The original Membership Certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce
The original Commercial Registration Certificate
A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
Application Form
The parent company has to have an active status for at least 1 year prior to opening a branch in the free zone.
Branch of a foreign Company (BFC)
Licences under this category are issued to companies that are registered outside the U.A.E. It is mandatory for the company to have 100% foreign ownership and the sales have to be made through a registered agent or a distributor in U.A.E. The activity could involve commercial, industrial or professional services.
Documents Required
A copy of the passport of the representative or manager of the company, valid for at least 6 months.
Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
8 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
Registration Certificate issued by the competent authority of the country where the company is originally registered.
A copy of the contract of association of the company
A copy of the resolution issued by the competent authority permitting the company to carry out activities in the Free Zone
Copy of a duly attested Power of Attorney (PoA), appointing a representative or a manager.
A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
Application Form
Advantages of company formation in Dubai Free Zones
100% tax exemption on operations in Dubai Free Zones
Strategic and central location in regards to businesses
Easy availability of raw material and primary products
Conducive business environment
Modern infrastructure
State of the art facilities available